Sony Pixel Power calrec Sony

Jackson Captivates As D Hologram at Billboard Music Awards

22/05/2014

Jacksons image, produced by Pulse Entertainment, was seen dancing and singing a new song called Slave to the Rhythm at the Billboard Music Awards.

Michael Jackson was alive and moonwalking his way across the stage during a 3D holographic performance at the Billboard Music Awards on May 18, live from the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas. The Jackson likeness was brought to the stage with technology that led to a copyright infringement lawsuit that nearly stopped the performance altogether. This type of projection effect has been catching on with event producers since it was popularized with a digital performance by deceased rapper Tupac Shakur at the 2012 Coachella music festival.

In the Billboard Music Awards performance, Orlando, Fla.-based Pulse Entertainment brought Michael Jackson to the stage, where he was seen dancing and singing a new song called Slave to the Rhythm, presumably in an effort to promote Jacksons second posthumous album, Xscape.

Because the resulting image was similar in appearance to patented 3D holographic projection technology that is marketed and controlled by Hologram USA and Musion Das Hologram, the patent-holders filed a lawsuit against the producers of the 2014 Billboard Music Awards, claiming copyright infringement.

A federal judge ruled the Friday before the event (the case was heard the preceding Thursday afternoon) that the Billboard Music Awards producers could use the holographic version of Jackson, rejecting claims made by Hologram USA and Musion Das Hologram. Judge Kent Dawson said he didnt find enough evidence to show the 3D image would violate patents.

Holographic projection technology is able to deliver a lifelike re-creation of an individual that is capable of addressing the audience, moving around stage and even interacting with others with pre-scripted effects. To create the effect of a three-dimensional hologram, an overhead projector throws an image onto a carefully tilted mirror embedded in the stage floor. The moving image is then reflected onto a special screen on stage that makes it appear as if the hologram is physically present.

Hologram USA and Musion Das Hologram obtained the rights to patents relating to holographic performances from visual effects company Digital Domain (responsible for the effects in X-Men: First Class, Transformers: Dark of the Moon and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, as well as the Tupac Shakur performance at Coachella, with AV Concepts), after the veteran post house filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Delaware in 2012.

The public was not aware of the 3D projected performance at the Billboard Music Awards beforehand, as the show hyped only a history-making performance. Plans to use the hologram emerged with details of the lawsuit.

Attorney Howard Weitzman, who represents Jacksons estate and Billboard Music Awards producer Dick Clark Productions, wrote in an e-mail to USAToday.com, The courts decision [was] not surprising. He added, The request to stop this extraordinary Michael Jackson event was ludicrous.

The lawsuit also named John C. Textor, chairman of Pulse Entertainment and former CEO of Digital Domain. Pulse Entertainment staged the Jackson revival at the Billboard Music Awards and was accused of using the hologram techniques without a proper license. Textor would not comment publicly on the case.

The plaintiffs attorney, Ryan G. Baker, said his clients were disappointed with the ruling, but the performance went on as planned.

According to CNN.com, the dance moves used in the Billboard Music Awards event were not those of Jackson himself but of a stand-in performer who re-created Jacksons steps for a computer. The computer recorded the motion and integrated it with an image intended to replicate Jackson.

Mark Cuban, owner of the NBAs Dallas Mavericks, tweeted Hes baaaccck! and included an Instagram video.

Theres no doubt the effect was captivating, if a bit synthetic to Jackson fans. A public relations executive tweeted, Uncomfortable, odd and eerily interesting. Not quite sure what to feel. #MissingMJ

In March, USAToday.com reported that Hologram USA sued Cirque du Soleil and MGM Resorts International over its show, Michael Jackson ONE at Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino. The show makes liberal use of 3D holographic images of Jackson. Hologram USA says the show represents an unlicensed use of its technology.

Jacksons performance at the 2104 Billboard Awards isnt the first digital reawakening of an artist since Tupacs virtual comeback. This year, rapper M.I.A. and singer Janelle Mon e both performed private solo concerts in different cities before teaming up at the end of their shows as life-sized 3D projections. Last year, hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan used a hologram of rapper Ol Dirty Bastard.
LINK: http://www.tvtechnology.com/news/0110/jackson-captivates-as-d-hologram...
See more stories from tvtechnology

Most recent headlines

05/01/2027

Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be demoed at CES 2026

Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...

07/10/2026

Dalet Flex LTS Delivers Smarter Media Operations from Ingest to Distribution

Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, today announced the latest Long-Term Supported (LTS) release of Dalet Flex. Build...

06/09/2026

Dolby and MagentaTV Bring Fans Closer to the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Germany with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos

June 9 2026, 23:00 (PDT) Dolby and MagentaTV Bring Fans Closer to the FIFA Worl...

17/08/2026

Thank You Mr. Brown: Documentary on Steadicam, Skycam Inventor Garrett Brown Is in the Works

Producer William Forbes and director Andrew Schwartz detail the decade-long effo...

17/08/2026

SHIK open S32 pre-orders

New MIDI processor & macro controller revealed SHIK have announced that they have opened pre-orders for the S32, a standalone MIDI processor and macro contr...

17/08/2026

Melbourne Instruments introduce 10-year motor warranty

Cover extended on innovative motorised pot system Melbourne Instruments have just revealed that the innovative motorised pot system used in their synths and...

17/08/2026

1010music update the Bluebox

Latest firmware version now available 1010music have just released a free firmware update that brings some nice new features to their renowned Bluebox digit...

17/08/2026

Rohde & Schwarz showcases integrated defense and test solutions at DALO Industry Days 2026

Rohde & Schwarz showcases integrated defense and test solutions at DALO Industry...

17/08/2026

Calrec Integrates ImPulseV with NEP Platform

Calrec's ImPulseV Virtualised Audio Mixing Engine joins NEP Platform, the industry's largest ecosystem of trusted production software, bringing scalable...

17/08/2026

PTZOptics To Unveil Rise 4K Broadcast PTZ Camera At IBC 2026

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

17/08/2026

Calrec Integrates ImPulseV With NEP Platform

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

17/08/2026

Calrec Integrates ImPulseV with NEP Platform Advancing Sc...

Continuing its virtualisation strategy, Calrec has integrated its ImPulseV virtualised DSP software with NEP Platform, bringing its scalable audio processing ca...

17/08/2026

Mediaproxy debuts AI-powered monitoring - browser based m...

Mediaproxy, the global standard for software-based IP compliance monitoring and multiviewing solutions, will highlight major innovations in compliance monitorin...

17/08/2026

FilmLight Showcases Workflow Automation, Advanced Media Collaboration, and Baselight v8 Preview at IBC 2026

Visitors to IBC 2026 will see how FilmLight is reshaping the modern post pipelin...

17/08/2026

Arqiva x IBC 2026 - Simplify Complexity and Unlock Greater Value

Visitors to Stand 1.C41 can explore innovations in areas such as addressable advertising, hybrid distribution, managed services and operational simplification. ...

16/08/2026

Gospel Musicians release Gospel Drums

Virtual drummer joins line-up The latest release from Gospel Musicians adds a virtual drummer to the company's line-up, combining a pair of meticulously...

15/08/2026

JH Audio expand Universal-Fit range

In-ear monitoring line-up gains new universal models In-ear monitoring experts JH Audio have just announced a significant expansion of their Universal-Fit r...

15/08/2026

Press Release: NFVF Releases PESP6 Project 1, Stream1: Group 2, Stream 2 and Stream 3 Funding Approvals

14 August 2026 | Johannesburg - The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), a...

15/08/2026

FCC Broadband Report Shows Rapid Expansion of High-Speed Internet

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

15/08/2026

Adte and Haystack News Partner on CTV Ads in Runup to Midterms

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

15/08/2026

IBC 2026: Dalet to Demo AI-Orchestrated Live Sports Workflows

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

15/08/2026

Add rounded corners to mask in After Effects

Add rounded corners to mask in After Effects Graham Quince August 14, 2026 0 Comments Ever wished you could smoothly round the corners of a Mask Path ...

15/08/2026

Director Go Riju's Rhapsody Rhapsody Shot on Blackmagic PYXIS 6K

Director Go Riju's Rhapsody Rhapsody Shot on Blackmagic PYXIS 6K Brie Clayton August 14, 2026 0 Comments Anamorphic cinematography and color gradi...

14/08/2026

AT&T Returns as Sponsor of Fifth-Annual DirtFish Women in Motorsport Summit

AT&T returns as a sponsor of the DirtFish Women in Motorsport (WiM) Summit, which marks its fifth year Aug. 21-22 in Snoqualmie, WA. This year's event will ...

14/08/2026

Perfect Game Blends Broadcast Polish with Social Swagger as All-American Classic Makes Move to Citizens Bank Park

A six-camera flypack production will anchor Sunday's game while Perfect Game...

14/08/2026

UJAM introduce Virtual Drummer Neon

Latest instalment delivers disco-inspired grooves The latest addition to UJAM's virtual drum line-up has been designed with contemporary pop, disco, dan...

14/08/2026

Yorkville launch the EL24S

Elite range gains giant 24-inch powered sub The latest expansion of Yorkville's Elite range introduces what the company say is the world's first act...

14/08/2026

Call for the 20th South African Film & Television Awards (SAFTAs20) Overall Judging Chairpersons Nominations

The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), an agency of the Department of Ar...

14/08/2026

LiveU, Panasonic LUMIX Launch 'Live Anywhere' Production Workflow

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

14/08/2026

PBS Station Takes Iron Mountain to Court Over Archives

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

14/08/2026

TV Globo Chooses Triveni Digital to Support TV 3 0 Footba...

Leading Brazilian Broadcaster Will Use Triveni Digital's TV 3.0 Broadcast Chain and Service Quality Assurance Solutions to Support Next-Generation Televisio...

14/08/2026

Beam Dynamics Makes IBC Debut with Major Expansion into L...

Beam Dynamics will make its IBC debut this September, marking a major step in the company's growth. Beam helps broadcast, live production and professional A...

14/08/2026

Conservative Groups Urge FCC to Stay Out of Affiliate Deals

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

14/08/2026

LiveU and Panasonic LUMIX Launch 'Live Anywhere' Production Workflow

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

14/08/2026

Cineverse Launches New Tools to Repurpose Audio Ads for CTV

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

14/08/2026

Hearst Television Ups Derek Schnell to VP, News

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

14/08/2026

amaran Makes Its Global Debut in Audio With the Launch of...

amaran, pioneer of lighting tools for creators, today announced the amaran Mic, a 99 wireless desktop microphone that brings the brand into audio for creators ...

14/08/2026

Creative COW Roundtable: Introduction to the New After Effects Assistant - AEAI

Creative COW Roundtable: Introduction to the New After Effects Assistant - AEAI Brie Clayton August 13, 2026 0 Comments On August 23, 2026 at 9am PDT/...

14/08/2026

Life on Waves Posted with DaVinci Resolve Studio

Life on Waves Posted with DaVinci Resolve Studio Brie Clayton August 13, 2026 0 Comments Collaborative editing and color grading workflow supported by...

14/08/2026

Why Bulletproof Video Project Archiving Is Non-Negotiable

Why Bulletproof Video Project Archiving Is Non-Negotiable John Carboni August 13, 2026 0 Comments In video production, the work is far from over when ...

14/08/2026

Stacked with Boston Conservatory Talent, Shakespeare on the Common Celebrates Its 30th Anniversary

Stacked with Boston Conservatory Talent, Shakespeare on the Common Celebrates It...

14/08/2026

Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indosat and NVIDIA Open Indonesia's First University AI Center to Develop Local AI Talent

Indonesia is taking charge of its AI future. This week, the Ministry of Communi...

14/08/2026

Breaking news! Sky releases trailer for The Paper, returning this September for a second season

Friday 14 August 2026 Breaking news! Sky releases trailer for The Paper, return...

14/08/2026

Cotswolds Designer Outlet, one year on

It's been one year since our client, Cotswolds Designer Outlet, opened its doors and we've loved seeing the scheme come to life. Together, we've hel...

13/08/2026

LaLiga Renews Broadcast Agreements with ESPN and DSports in South America Through 2031/32

LaLiga has renewed broadcast agreements with ESPN and DSports covering Spanish-l...

13/08/2026

Rockstar Energy Open Builds Third Portland Show Around AI-Powered Vertical Feed, Remote Operators

Three days of skateboarding competitions, live music, and other programming will...

13/08/2026

IBC 2026: Matrox Video to Showcase IP and Software-Defined Technologies

Matrox Video will showcase its portfolio of IP and software-defined technologies at IBC2026 (Booth 7.B15, RAI Amsterdam, September 11-14). The portfolio includ...

13/08/2026

IBC 2026: SMPTE to Present Sessions, Workshops, and Networking Events

SMPTE will present expert-led sessions, professional workshops, and networking events at IBC2026. The organization will be located in the IBC2026 Owner Pavilion...

13/08/2026

IBC 2026: Clear-Com to Showcase Communications Solutions

Clear-Com will exhibit at IBC2026 (Stand 10.D29, September 11-14, Amsterdam), showcasing FreeSpeak Cell, Avalon IP Station, updates to Arcadia Central Station, ...

13/08/2026

Advanced Systems Group Appoints Eran Binyamin Zeitoun as Senior Technical Program Manager

Advanced Systems Group (ASG) has appointed Eran Binyamin Zeitoun as Senior Techn...